From the Research
Vimovo should be dosed as one tablet twice daily, taken at least 30 minutes before meals, with each tablet containing naproxen (375 mg or 500 mg) combined with esomeprazole (20 mg), as this combination has been shown to be effective in reducing the risk of gastric ulcers and improving arthritic symptoms 1. The recommended duration of treatment should be the shortest period needed to achieve symptom relief, as prolonged use increases the risk of cardiovascular and gastrointestinal adverse effects.
- Patients should swallow the tablets whole with water, not crushing or chewing them, as this would disrupt the delayed-release mechanism of the esomeprazole component.
- For elderly patients or those with hepatic or renal impairment, lower doses may be appropriate. Vimovo combines an NSAID (naproxen) for pain and inflammation relief with a proton pump inhibitor (esomeprazole) that helps protect the stomach from NSAID-induced ulcers and irritation.
- This combination is particularly useful for patients who need ongoing NSAID therapy but have a history of or risk factors for gastrointestinal complications.
- Patients should be aware that taking Vimovo with other NSAIDs, including aspirin, should be avoided due to increased risk of adverse effects. The fixed-dose combination of naproxen and esomeprazole has been shown to be noninferior to celecoxib in treating the signs and symptoms of disease in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee 2, and has a better upper gastrointestinal tolerability profile compared to naproxen alone 1.
- The cumulative incidence of gastric ulcers was significantly lower with naproxen/esomeprazole than with enteric-coated naproxen alone during up to 6 months' therapy in patients with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis or any other condition requiring daily NSAID therapy 1.
- A study also showed that naproxen/esomeprazole was a dominant strategy (more effective and less costly) compared to celecoxib, etoricoxib and diclofenac+PPI in patients with increased GI risk 3.